Behrouz: “This is a time we need to give people hope and as musicians, we do this through our music”

Very few artists need a proper introduction as their name alone speaks for itself and connotes veteran status. BEHROUZ is easily recognized both on the Playa where he has held a highly coveted residency on the Robot Heart bus, as owner / curator of Do Not Sit On The Furniture in Miami Beach, All Day I Dream artist and is well known all over the world having been a household name for those who truly know what’s up for well over two decades now. An artist who has seen nearly every inch of the globe as he has shared his music with millions from continent to continent, his name and reputation proceeds him. A DJ’s DJ in every sense of the word, Behrouz is a favorite amongst many of the most talented artists and producers on the planet. He is a true story teller and a magician behind the decks evoking powerful emotions through his sound.

We caught up with Behrouz to talk about his creative process during the lockdown and new projects.

Electronic Groove: Hi, Behrouz, thanks for your time. First of all, how have your last two months been and how have you handled the quarantine?

Behrouz: Thank you and I always enjoy working with Electronic Groove. It’s been an interesting time. On the positive side, I got to spend quality time with my family after being on the road touring non-stop since I moved to Miami over 14 years ago. I also got to catch up with a lot of unfinished things around the house and taking care of so many little things. On the other hand, I really do miss being on the road and seeing my fans. A lot of my shows were canceled due to the quarantine, but I try to be optimistic and be positive because sometimes life throws you a curveball. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, right?

EG: Has the lockdown impacted your personal inspiration or motivation? And what have you done to cope with it?

Behrouz: It has inspired me in many ways, but first to be inspired it’s important to have a clear mind and taking care of all these things in my life that were lingering is pushing me to have a clear mind. One of the biggest inspirations during this lockdown has come from doing my weekly live streams because, for instance, I’ve managed to touch a lot of people’s hearts with my music. I get tons of comments during and after my shows from people around the world thanking me for doing these live streams and we’ve managed to spread some love during these tough times. I think this was a time for us (DJs) to stop and reset and we needed this moment to get back to our roots and real music. I think I am at the right place right now with my music. We were going so fast with everything that now it’s time to sit back and reflect on what is going on in our lives and focus. There will be a lot of good or great music I should say coming out. We have some fantastic releases to be out soon on our label Do Not Sit On The Furniture Recordings. I’ve been motivated to work more on the imprint and spend time listening to all these great EPs and demos. I’m very excited for all these releases.

EG: As the owner of Miami’s Do Not Sit on the Furniture, how has the situation affected your venue and have you found any relief from the government entities?

Behrouz: This has been a really tough time for the club. The lockdown happened in the busiest time of the year for us in Miami, right before Miami Music Week. We basically are able to carry through the slow summer season by making our revenue in March. Our staff has been out of work since March, and we still don’t have a clear answer from the Miami Beach city officials when we can reopen. Clubs and bars just don’t seem to be a priority for them, unfortunately, but they don’t realize that Miami Beach is so dependent on the hospitality industry and nightlife. It’s the bread and butter for so many people that live here. At the same time we haven’t really received any rent relief from our landlords nor have we received relief from the government so it’s been a tough couple of months. We’re doing our best to survive and make it through this lockdown.

EG: Do you foresee a new direction of the business side of dance music?

Behrouz: Definitely, there will be some crucial changes. For a few years or until we see a vaccine released, we probably won’t have big festivals, we won’t be traveling like the way we used to, and I think we will go back to seeing a lot more quality music from producers who now have time to work more in the studio. I think every industry will see a big reset affecting every aspect of the business. I am hoping it will be a positive one for our industry but only time will tell.

“I think it’s better to be safe than sorry and just hope we can go back to our normal lives soon”

EG: What do you think will be the next steps to open the night circuit again? What measurements do you think will take place to guarantee the health and safety of partygoers?

Behrouz: As we see all over the world, it will take time to open up the night circuit again. The clubs and nightlife seem to be the last ones on the list to open and there will be many restrictions to make sure to guarantee the health and safety of the clubbers. Big clubs and big festivals may not open until next year and I believe smaller venues will be allowed to open but with capacity restrictions. This will be a big strain on me, both as a DJ and club owner, but I think it’s better to be safe than sorry and just hope we can go back to our normal lives soon.

EG: We want to thank you again to be part of EG’s ‘Alone & Together’ project. What’s your advice message to artists and musicians from around the world?

Behrouz: Don’t ever give up! Be consistent and do it because you love it.

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EG: You have been very active livestreaming different sessions. What’s your motivation to do them?

Behrouz: My motivation is people. People that are sending me messages of thanks and hope, and in the back of my mind I see their faces smiling and this is what keeps me going. This is a time we need to give people hope and as musicians, we do this through our music. If my music can heal even one person, then I’ve done something good and fulfilling in my heart and soul. You try to heal people’s wounds with your music.

EG: What do you think and the key elements that make a good DJ?

Behrouz: It consists of good taste in music, perseverance, passion, and consistency… And doing your thing and realizing this is me! You don’t do what other people are doing, you create your own persona and music so people know it’s you and not someone else.